Will this CPU be Compatible?

GraphicsNerd · Mar 18, 2015

I have a Dell Optiplex 740 MT (MT is the Tower), but I want to upgrade the CPU for this machine.
I want to upgrade the processor to an AMD Phenom II X4 940 (Socket AM2) at 3.0 Ghz. My computer [I'm assuming] has a AM2 Socket. If it is compatible, than please detail how to uninstall/reinstall the heatsink cover and heatsink, and how to re-apply thermal paste.
Link to CPU desired: http://www.dhgate.com/product/amd-phenom-ii-x4-940-black-edition-hdz940xcj4dgi/212047671.html?utm_source=pla&utm_medium=GMC&utm_campaign=steven_huang&utm_term=212047671&f=bm%7c212047671%7c104007-ComputerComponents%7cGMC%7cAdwords%7cpla%7csteven_huang%7cUS%7c104007003-CPUs%7cc%7c%7c0LRF%7c&gclid=CM2Vy8HissQCFeJj7AodxWwAPA
Computer Specs:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 at 2.3 Ghz
2GB DDR2 RAM
Nvidia 6150 Integrated Graphics Chipset
Standard/Original Motherboard (Everything else is original)

Wolfshadw · Mar 18, 2015

It's not compatible. You can put an AM2 processor into an AM2+ motherboard, but you cannot install an AM2+ processor into an AM2 Motherboard (which your Dell Optiplex 740 MT has).

-Wolf sends

Calculagator · Mar 18, 2015

Most likely it will not be compatible. Regardless of actual physical/socket compatibility, CPUs require bioses that can recognize them. Dell and other OEMs are notorious for locking down their bioses to limit upgrades. You may be able to upgrade to a Phenom 9750, but even that may require a hacked bios.
Additionally, the 940 is a 125w cpu and the Dell was not designed to handle that level of power/ heat. You would probably need a new PSU and CPU cooler even if you could somehow get your motherboard to work.

GraphicsNerd · Mar 18, 2015

Wolfshadw :

What motherboard/fan/PSU upgrade can I get to install this CPU?

Eximo · Mar 18, 2015

For that price there are better CPUs that you could buy. Do you already have it?

And your old motherboard supported video, so that function will need replacing. A video card or another motherboard with a video chipset...

Wolfshadw · Mar 18, 2015

Check the CPU Support List for any AM2+/AM3 motherboard to see if that processor is compatible. Additionally, the Dell Optiplex GX740 case is of a BTX form-factor. No new motherboards come in that form-factor. You would be required to purchase a new case as well. With a new case added to your upgrade list, you could install any power supply/cooling fan you wanted.

-Wolf sends

GraphicsNerd · Mar 18, 2015

Oh my goodness I think I found it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051QPDOG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/180-7969878-2462427

But this is a mBTX mobo, will it work? What's the difference between mBTX and BTX?

Calculagator · Mar 19, 2015

GraphicsNerd :

You could buy a new motherboard and better CPU for the price of this motherboard alone. You can still get an old BTX, but you will be paying way too much. You are much better off building a new machine or buying a new/used one than paying so much for a mediocre upgrade.

Wolfshadw · Mar 19, 2015

The difference between BTX and mBTX is the same as the difference between ATX and Micro-ATX; essentially, the size of the board and then number of expansion slots. I agree with Calculagator in that it would probably be cheaper (and easier), if you just purchased a new case and motherboard for your processor (which I assume you already have).

-Wolf sends

GraphicsNerd · Mar 19, 2015

I found another one (I hope this guy knows the difference between AM2 and AM2+. I e-mailed him to ask)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-740-Desktop-Motherboard-Socket-AM2-AM2-DDR2-YP696-HX340-/221396384710?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20140407115239&meid=9f17d994bc3246508b15eab245b64315&pid=100204&rk=19&rkt=30&sd=121593419167&_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&quantity=1&autorefresh=true

If these are actually the right mobos, than I am set for a new start

GraphicsNerd · Mar 19, 2015

Wolfshadw :

I didn't buy the processor yet, just plan to.

Wolfshadw · Mar 19, 2015

Then under no circumstance should you even be considering this.

-Wolf sends

GraphicsNerd · Mar 19, 2015

Wolfshadw :

I just happen to want to upgrade to the Phenom

Wolfshadw · Mar 19, 2015

Then save yourself the headaches and build around it using other components like an ATX/Micro-ATX motherboard and a case that can house them.

-Wolf sends

GraphicsNerd · Mar 19, 2015

Wolfshadw :

I just want to know if this mobo (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-740-Desktop-Motherboard-Socket-AM2-AM2-DDR2-YP696-HX340-/221396384710?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20140407115239&meid=9f17d994bc3246508b15eab245b64315&pid=100204&rk=19&rkt=30&sd=121593419167&_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&quantity=1&autorefresh=true) actually is AM2+. If not, I might just forget this entire upgrade. The whole point is to upgrade the processor, and not the entire computer. I am trying not to change the case.

Wolfshadw · Mar 19, 2015

In my first reply I said the two were not compatible. It's an AM2 (not AM2+) motherboard.

-Wolf sends

Calculagator · Mar 19, 2015

GraphicsNerd :

If it's a Dell motherboard it won't work with the Phenom 940. They don't support it even if they are AM2+. If you buy from ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte/etc, they will release new bioses to support new cpus. Dell/HP/etc don't. They don't want to deal with people breaking their systems, so they only support/enable very limited upgrades. If you install a new retail motherboard, you will probably need to reinstall your OS. Why would you pay $70 for an ancient motherboard? Even a modern Pentium G3258 will beat that old Phenom.

If you are so set on upgrading your current system, you can try a Phenom 9750. Others have had success getting those to work in certain versions of the Optiplex 740. You could possibly get a minor performance bump for way more than it is worth.

Here you can upgrade to a much faster CPU and end up spending about the same as the upgrades you are looking into:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T3500-Xeon-x5560-6GB-RAM-Quadro-FX-1800-Windows-7-very-clean-/321696055386?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae694405a

GraphicsNerd · Mar 19, 2015

Calculagator :

GraphicsNerd :

If it's a Dell motherboard it won't work with the Phenom 940. They don't support it even if they are AM2+. If you buy from ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte/etc, they will release new bioses to support new cpus. Dell/HP/etc don't. They don't want to deal with people breaking their systems, so they only support/enable very limited upgrades. If you install a new retail motherboard, you will probably need to reinstall your OS. Why would you pay $70 for an ancient motherboard? Even a modern Pentium G3258 will beat that old Phenom.

If you are so set on upgrading your current system, you can try a Phenom 9750. Others have had success getting those to work in certain versions of the Optiplex 740. You could possibly get a minor performance bump for way more than it is worth.

Here you can upgrade to a much faster CPU and end up spending about the same as the upgrades you are looking into:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T3500-Xeon-x5560-6GB-RAM-Quadro-FX-1800-Windows-7-very-clean-/321696055386?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae694405a

I went onto the CPUs upgrade list, and I found the right mobos that supported AM2+ (and sometimes even AM3), but I could not find where to buy it.

Will this CPU be Compatible?

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